MLS Cup Playoff Race: Two Can Clinch, Two Can Be Eliminated

There are only three weeks left in the 2011 regular season campaign and 12 teams are still vying for seven remaining playoff spots. Two teams can clinch berths this weekend while two others could see their playoff dreams come to an end.

The LA Galaxy, Seattle Sounders FC, and Real Salt Lake have booked their tickets to the postseason, while Vancouver Whitecaps FC, the New England Revolution, and Toronto FC are now resigned to the role of spoilers.

FC Dallas will clinch a berth in the MLS Cup Playoffs:
· if FC Dallas defeat Chicago (Oct. 12) AND

o New York loses or ties vs. LA Galaxy OR

o Portland and Houston tie (Oct. 14)

· OR if FC Dallas tie Chicago AND

o New York loses to LA Galaxy AND

o there is a winner in the Portland-Houston game

Colorado Rapids will clinch a berth in the MLS Cup Playoffs if they defeat Real Salt Lake (Oct. 14) AND
· New York loses or ties vs. LA Galaxy OR

· Portland and Houston tie (Oct. 14)

San Jose Earthquakes will be eliminated from playoff contention:
· If San Jose loses or ties at New England OR

o New York defeats LA Galaxy OR

o Portland defeats Houston (Oct. 14)

Chivas USA will be eliminated from playoff contention:
· If New York defeats LA Galaxy OR

· If Portland defeats Houston (Oct. 14) OR

· If Chivas USA loses or ties at LA Galaxy (Oct. 16) AND

o New York ties LA Galaxy OR

o Portland ties Houston OR

o D.C. United defeats Vancouver (Oct. 12)

LA Galaxy will win the Supporters’ Shield if they defeat New York OR
· Seattle Sounders FC fails to win vs. Philadelphia